avast! Free version 6.0

1avast! Free version 6.0 : Main Window

The main window of avast! Free version 6.0 displays overall security status along with an option to put the program in silent/gaming mode. A banner ad encourages users to upgrade to the avast! security suite.

2avast! Free version 6.0 : Upsell Opportunity

Look carefully when registering the free antivirus. Clicking that big colorful button actually requests an upgrade to the security suite. To register the free program you click the smaller grey button.

10avast! Free version 6.0 : Real-Time Protection

Avast! works at many different levels to protect your system from malware infestation. Script Shield, which blocks local and remote malicious scripts, used to be a Pro-only feature, but starting in version 6.0 the free edition has it too.

11avast! Free version 6.0 : File System Shield

The file system shield scans all files before they can run and displays a transient popup when it blocks malware. The popup can contain multiple alerts; this screenshot is displaying alert number seven of thirteen.

13avast! Free version 6.0 : Web Shield in Action

14avast! Free version 6.0 : Rootkit Found

Rootkit technology lets malware hide from antivirus programs. Avast! warns when it detects any program using this type of technology, even if it doesn't recognize the program as a specific variety of malware.

15avast! Free version 6.0 : AutoSandbox

AutoSandbox is another feature previously reserved for avast!'s Pro edition. When it detects suspicious behavior it offers to run the program in its sandbox, meaning that the program can't make any permanent changes to your system.